Richard J. "Lem" Worthington Sr.

April 21, 1926 - April 19, 2014

He dedicated his life to providing for his wife and five children by being employed as a construction and tool and die professional. But his family says he will be remembered for his hard-working love and more. Richard "Lem" James Worthington Sr., 87, yard-sale specialist, four-wheeler expert and lotto-scratch-off professional, passed away April 19, 2014. He was born April 21, 1926, in Norway, Mich. to Nicholas and Della Worthington and served in the United States Army during World War II. Sixty-five years ago, on June 4, 1949, he married Nancy Worthington, in Vulcan, Mich., and moved to Citrus County in 1975. Richard and Nancy soon opened the family-owned and operated "Snowbird" restaurant in Homosassa, where he was the head cook and bouncer while Nancy entertained guests with the organ and accordion. During the summers, they enjoyed heading "back home" to upper Michigan, where they owned a cabin by the lake in Michigamme. Most importantly, Richard and Nancy loved the fact that all of their children lived within five minutes of them and could visit often. They were proud of their large family and the memories that were continuously made. Nancy proceeded Richard in death, November 12, 2012. He is survived by his five children, with four spouses; nine grandchildren with three spouses; and seven great-grandchildren: Sharon Worthington; sons, Richard Worthington Jr. and wife Kathy, Rodney Worthington Sr. and wife Verna, Randy Worthington and wife Carol; daughter, Karen Whitelaw and husband David. Grandchildren are Richard Worthington III and wife Eryn, David Worthington, Stephanie Struble and husband Rex, Michael Worthington and wife Stacey, Rodney Worthington Jr., Kimberly Nichter and husband Darren, Amanda Whitelaw, Jennifer Downs and husband Ryan, and Danielle Whitelaw. Great-grandchildren are Alex, Cody and Cassie Struble, Elle Downs, Madison Nichter, Zackary Bruns and soon-to-be Emma Worthington. His constant companion after Nancy's passing was his 5-year-old Doxie Aubrey "Ebay". Memorial will take place at noon Friday, April 25, 2014, at Wilder Funeral Home, 4890 South Suncoast Boulevard in Homosassa. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. In Richard's memory and in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Citrus County Hospice.